regulations for aromatherapy in France

[baba buttons]

hello i was wondering if anyone knows of the regulations for the use of aromatherapy in France as i am thinking of moving there.
I have a HND in Beauty Therapy in which i did aromatherapy and i am currently studying advanced aromatherapy.
any advice would be apreciated
thanks nic[sm=1syellow1.gif]

 

[workinmama]

I am lead to believe that essential oils may only be prescribed by medical doctors, although this probably depends on the grade of oils that you use. Non-therapeutic brands such as Tisserand may be more widely available.
Would love to know what you find out.

 

[Mn_Wc07]

I think it is essential oils can only be prescibed by medical doctors for taking internally, though over the counter cough mixtures contain essential oils (I suppose lower percentage that doctor prescribed blends). I think the problem you willencounter may be more that aromatherapy is generally understood to be taking essential oils internally, I'm not too sure how well recognised aromatherapy skin treatments are, they may be referred to as using botanicals/plant extractsmore than aromatherapy. I'd recommend looking at a lot of French spa/beuty therapy websites and figure out what everything is called as far as the locals go. If you're setting up your own business and just after English speaking clients, rather than locals, you can probably stick to aromatherapy.

 

[Michael R]

If you know the area that you are moving to, it may be worth writing to the local Mayor - he will pass your letter to the relevant office who will be able to let you know about legalities.

I have two freinds now live there (Brittany and Marseilles), and neither were able to get permission to carry on their massage therapy business without jumping through hoops - they were asked to attend extra classes and thensit external examinations donethrough universities - neither could be bothered with the aggravation as they were in their early 50's, so they retired instead! However, since they both run B&B businesses, they sometimes throw in therapeutic massage to punters as part of the package!!!

 

[HAGAR!!!]

There was a good article in 'The Therapist' the FHT mag a few months ago.
From this and generally I inderstand that the application of aroma oils (probably ready-diluted to use in massage) for beauty purposes is allowed but woe betide anyone who uses oils therapeutically.

The FHT website may have back copies.

 

[drurryAtort]

thanks all for the advice, will look into it more